1. The Devil: The Devil is a central character in the story, representing evil, temptation, and greed. He appears in various forms throughout the narrative, often disguising himself to trick and deceive Tom Walker. The Devil serves as a symbol of humanity's susceptibility to moral corruption.
2. Tom Walker's Money Belt: Tom Walker's money belt, which is made from the hide of the black dog he encounters in the forest, symbolizes the corrupting power of wealth and material possessions. As Tom fills the belt with ill-gotten gains, it becomes heavier, representing the burden of greed and the toll it takes on one's soul.
3. The Black Dog: The black dog that Tom Walker encounters in the forest represents the Devil in a disguised form. The dog's appearance at significant moments in the story is symbolic of the Devil's presence and influence in Tom's life.
4. The Shadowy Figure: When Tom goes to the meeting place with the Devil, he sees a shadowy figure. It seems like the Devil is speaking to his own shadow, but it is actually his other self or his doppelgänger, representing the duality of his character and the contrast between his human nature and his inclination toward evil.
5. The Trees and the Forest: The forest in the story is a symbolic setting that represents danger, uncertainty, and temptation. It is in the forest that Tom Walker encounters the Devil and makes his fateful pact. The trees, particularly the dead or withered ones, symbolize the decay and corruption that greed brings to Tom's life.
6. The Witch: The witch in the story is associated with the Devil and represents evil and the occult. Her appearance and actions foreshadow the sinister events that unfold in the narrative. She is described as having a "satanic smile," further connecting her to the Devil.
These symbols in "The Devil and Tom Walker" serve as powerful literary devices, adding layers of meaning and enriching the story's exploration of themes such as greed, temptation, morality, and the consequences of one's choices.